Aldrich Family - The Pen Pal

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Aldrich Family – The Pen Pal
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode from the golden age of radio, we join the Aldrich Family as teenage son Henry Aldrich finds himself tangled in a comedic web of pen-pal misunderstandings, misguided attempts to impress, and a flurry of lost letters. The story explores adolescent insecurity, the desire to appear adult, and the recognizable chaos of high school social maneuvering. With fast-paced dialog and a touch of gentle satire, the episode offers insight into teenage life and family dynamics in mid-century America.

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Key Discussion Points & Major Plot Events

1. The Mistaken Engagement Announcement

[02:50–04:32]

• Henry learns from his parents, Alice and Sam, about a letter from Doris Townsend referencing a newspaper notice of “Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge’s son’s engagement,” mistakenly thought to be about him.
• Henry is embarrassed and adamant he wants nothing to do with this rumor, much less pen-pal correspondence.
• Alice encourages him to write a polite letter to set things straight, but Henry drags his feet, needing to meet his friend Nancy Adams.

2. The Pep Talk About Relationships

[04:48–06:04]

• Henry and Nancy discuss marriage, diversity of interests, and Henry’s nonchalance about gardening and schools in Arizona.
• Nancy mentions correspondence with a boy named Dick who attends school in Arizona, which provokes subtle jealousy in Henry.

3. Henry’s Jealousy & The Pen Pal Plan

[09:45–11:15]

• On a walk with his friend Homer Brown, Henry reveals his growing jealousy about Nancy’s pen pal.
• Homer advises Henry to make Nancy jealous by writing a love letter to another girl (Doris Townsend) and leaving it where Nancy will see it.
• Notable comic moment: Homer suggests, “Write it on your father’s typewriter on blue paper. That’s more romantic.” ([11:27])

4. Parental Misunderstandings

[11:49–13:06]

• Alice Aldrich, worried by the tone of Henry’s letter to Doris (beginning “My darling Doris”), voices her concerns to Sam.
• They speculate on the seriousness of Henry's relationship and whether to intervene.

5. Botched Attempts and Lost Letters

[13:06–17:56]

• Henry and Homer repeatedly fail to get the letter into the right hands, resulting in comedic misdeliveries—letters end up in the wrong coat pockets or simply blow away.
• Henry’s composition ends up with the English teacher by mistake, who comments on his vivid description of the Mississippi River and critiques him for not sticking to the essay topic.
• Butch, a much bigger student, confronts Henry for “writing to his girl Doris Townsend,” leading to a physical scuffle ([24:22–24:49]).

6. The Family Intervention

[25:27–27:12]

• Henry is summoned home for a “talk” with his parents about the Doris Townsend situation.
• Henry attempts to explain that he never mailed the letters—it was all an attempt to make Nancy jealous, and the letters were just left around school.
• Everything comes to light and Alice confirms Henry's account after realizing the letters were just for an English assignment and not actual love letters.

7. Resolution and Revealed Feelings

[27:22–28:05]

• Homer and Henry discover a letter mistakenly believed to be from Henry; it's actually from Nancy to her Arizona pen pal, expressing warm feelings about Henry.
• The episode ends with Henry elated to hear Nancy describe him as “one of the nicest, sweetest boys she’s ever known.”

8. Comedic Denouement

[28:54–29:22]

• The next day, Henry feigns illness to avoid school and the public reading of his English composition, overwhelmed by embarrassment.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Henry, exasperated:
  “Mother, why don’t we just put a denial in the paper? Then everybody will be satisfied.” ([03:49])

• On teenage relationships, Henry says:
  “Gee, the average marriage. I think that when a person’s… You know what I mean.” ([04:49])

• Homer’s ‘wise’ advice:
  “All you have to do is write a letter to some other girl and leave it lying around when Nancy will see it.” ([10:49])

• On the failure of the jealousy plan:
  “Gee whiz, Homer, Nancy’s been writing to this guy just as often as he’s been writing to her.” ([10:44])

• Alice, worried:
  “This morning when I went in to make Henry’s bed, I happened to see a letter he’d typed to Doris Townsend… it began, ‘my darling Doris.’” ([12:00])

• Comic confusion with letter delivery:
  “Did you put that in the wrong pocket or the wrong coat?” ([14:38])
  “I saw a pocket and I dropped it in.”

• The confrontation with Butch:
  “Now, wait, Butch. It was all a mistake.” ([24:25])

• Henry admits the truth:
  “I’ve been writing her, but I haven’t been mailing them… I’ve been losing them.” ([26:25])

• Nancy’s mislaid letter reveals her feelings:
  “She says you’re one of the nicest, sweetest boys she’s ever known.” ([28:01])

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [02:50] – Engagement letter mix-up and family confusion
• [04:48] – Henry and Nancy’s conversation about marriage
• [09:45] – Henry and Homer plot to make Nancy jealous
• [12:00] – Alice and Sam discuss the tone of Henry’s letter
• [14:38] – Failed attempt to deliver the jealousy letter
• [24:25] – Butch confronts Henry
• [25:33] – The parental “talk”
• [27:22] – Realization: Nancy’s letter was about Henry
• [28:54] – Henry tries to avoid reading his composition at school

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Summary of Style and Tone

• The episode stays light, briskly paced, and filled with comedic misunderstandings typical of the Aldrich Family series.
• The humor relies on Henry’s earnestness, the folly of youthful schemes, and the gentle exasperation of his parents.
• The dialog is filled with period-typical expressions such as “Gee whiz,” emphasizing the innocence and optimism of 1940s youth.
• Family dynamics and teenage embarrassment are at the heart of the story, all wrapped in the cozy atmosphere of small-town America.

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This episode is a wonderful comedic capsule of vintage radio, showcasing how universal—and timeless—adolescent anxieties, miscommunications, and family life really are.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Alice Aldrich]

Henry.

[Nancy Adams]

Henry alrey.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family Written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone. Entertainment for all the family. Brought to you by Postum, a tempting, wholesome drink for all the family. Postum. Friends, welcome once again to a visit with the Aldrich family. And since this program is intended primarily for your amusement, we hope there's nothing to interfere with your sitting back and enjoying the fun. Of course, if something does interfere, if perhaps you're troubled by a touch of indigestion, we suggest that for the moment you be practical about it. Now, while you think of it, consider whether coffee may cause your indigestion. Whether you wouldn't benefit by drinking Postum instead. You see, while coffee is popular with most people and while many people can drink it without feeling distressed, many others cannot. So by all means, if you think coffee upsets you, switch to Postum. For Postum contains no stimulants, nothing upsetting in any way. Just drink fragrant, flavorful Postum instead of coffee and see if before long your indigestion hasn't gone. See if you don't feel lots more human again after you give Postum a fair trial. There is a neat white house at 117 Elm street in Centerville. It's the home of the Aldrich's and an average American family. Their son Henry is typical of any teenage youngster. He's lively, adventurous, a real boy. Tonight we find Henry in the living room with his mother and father.

[Alice Aldrich]

But why do you say that, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Because, mother. Because I don't want to get mixed up with anybody but Henry.

[Alice Aldrich]

Simply writing a letter to a girl doesn't mean you're in love with her.

[Henry Aldrich]

It could be taken that way. And I'm not even interested in her.

[Sam Aldrich]

You're not even interested in whom?

[Henry Aldrich]

In Doris Townsend, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

When did you see her?

[Henry Aldrich]

I didn't see her. I had a letter. Just an ordinary short letter from her. And mother thinks I ought to sit right away and answer it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Henry, I think she ought to know the truth.

[Sam Aldrich]

The truth about what?

[Henry Aldrich]

About me getting married.

[Sam Aldrich]

Getting what married?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what the letter's about, Father. She says, dear Henry, we happened to read in the seneval section of last evening's Middletown paper that a Mr. And Mrs. Aldridge announced the engagement of their son. Is this you? If so, Mother says, congratulations. Father says, who's the lucky girl? Sincerely, Doris.

[Sam Aldrich]

How did a thing like that get into the paper?

[Alice Aldrich]

It's a very simple mistake, Sam. The older dice boy over on Maple street is going to be married sometime next spring.

[Homer Brown]

Oh.

[Alice Aldrich]

And that's why I think Henry should take the time to write to Dory.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, why don't we just put a denial in the paper? Then everybody will be satisfied.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, I think your mother would like you to write a letter.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, I'm due with Nancy Adams right this minute. She's probably sitting over at her house wondering why I'm not there. And here I am. Here.

[Alice Aldrich]

But Henry, by this time you could

[Henry Aldrich]

have had the letter written not and explained things properly. Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, you're to write the letter tonight.

[Nancy Adams]

Tonight?

[Narrator]

Now?

[Henry Aldrich]

Now?

[Alice Aldrich]

Now, Sam, if Nancy Adams is waiting, I don't think it's quite as important as that.

[Sam Aldrich]

I thought you wanted him to write it.

[Nancy Adams]

I do, dear.

[Alice Aldrich]

But after all, why can't he be home by 9:30 and write her a postcard before he goes to bed?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. That's the least I can do.

[Alice Aldrich]

Are you sure you'll come home early?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, you don't think he ought to write it before he goes?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, Henry's promised to be here by 9:30.

[Homer Brown]

And.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, Father, you know me. When I promise to do a thing, I break my neck doing it.

[Nancy Adams]

Do you really think so, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, sure. Nancy, you take any marriage. Gee, the average marriage. I think that when a person's. You know what I mean.

[Nancy Adams]

Well, as a matter of fact, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I think they ought to have a diversity of interests.

[Nancy Adams]

My, you've thought about this a lot, haven't you?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's just common sense. Suppose a man marries a girl and all they both like is the same thing. Like? Take gardening, for instance. I don't know why I take gardening, but some people do and they have one. I don't mean a little one. Naturally, it's a big one. Lots of acres. Like a. Say, like a ranch. Did you know they raised cotton in Arizona?

[Nancy Adams]

Who does?

[Henry Aldrich]

The people in Arizona. The married people, I guess both kinds. Why do you ask?

[Nancy Adams]

I just wondered whether you know anyone out there.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I just may go to school out there.

[Nancy Adams]

Really, Henry. I know a boy that goes to

[Henry Aldrich]

school there in Arizona?

[Nancy Adams]

Yes. I had a letter just day before yesterday.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that right?

[Nancy Adams]

Would you like to have me get it and read you some of it?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I don't believe I'd care to hear it.

[Nancy Adams]

I'm sure you'd be interested, Henry. He writes beautifully.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, the way I look at it, Nancy, if a person gets the idea he has to go all the way to Arizona to go to school, I don't think they deserve to have any state. You know what I mean?

[Nancy Adams]

No, I don't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you take a school. Suppose you're not crazy about it. It's not the fault of the government or the state, is it?

[Nancy Adams]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, there you are. Your father's a taxpayer, isn't he?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Nancy Adams]

I never thought of it that way, Henry. Just a second while I answer the phone.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you ever tasted Peppermint Crunch ice cream?

[Nancy Adams]

No, I haven't. Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

They served it in the school cafeteria today. It was pretty good.

[Nancy Adams]

Hello, Nancy?

[Homer Brown]

This is Homer. Is Henry there? Yes. Tell him I've got to speak to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, is that my mother?

[Nancy Adams]

It's Homer. He wants to speak to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. I can't even go visiting without his bothering me. Hello? Now, listen, Homer.

[Homer Brown]

Henry, I'm in a terrible predicament.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Homer Brown]

I'm over at your house and I want some help on our Latin.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I can't come home just for that, Homer.

[Homer Brown]

But, Henry, I have to have it. My father says I've been fiddling around too much in Latin.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, gee whiz, I don't have to be home until 9:30. And even then I'm going to be very busy writing a postcard.

[Homer Brown]

All right, Henry. All right. If you want to put Nancy Adams and your correspondence ahead of my homework.

[Nancy Adams]

All right.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you're going home again?

[Homer Brown]

No, I'll wait.

[Nancy Adams]

But your father said to be here

[Homer Brown]

not a second later than 9:30.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee, I'll be there. I've got plenty of time.

[Homer Brown]

So long, Henry.

[Nancy Adams]

You through?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure.

[Nancy Adams]

I just ran up to get some of Dick's letters.

[Henry Aldrich]

Whose?

[Nancy Adams]

Dick's. You're so interested in Arizona, I thought you'd like to have me read some parts of them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did he write all the letters in that bundle?

[Nancy Adams]

My goodness, he's been writing ever since last Christmas when I met him. Oh, I don't think he's missed a week since then. Here's one about Arizona's irrigation ditches to you. Yes, very interesting. He says, my dear Nancy, did I see a ditch today? It began miles in back of me and came up to me and then went as far as the eye of man could reach. When one realizes that all of this was dug with human hands, it makes one proud to be a member of this human race of ours. After that, we went dancing and I certainly wished you were there.

[Henry Aldrich]

They danced in the ditch.

[Nancy Adams]

No, that was afterwards. And then he goes on to say, what? My goodness, I can't read you that. Oh, here's one. Well, well, Nancy, here I am writing again. Didn't you scream, Henry? You'd certainly die if you ever met him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, he's got a nice sense of humor.

[Nancy Adams]

Your letter came this morning. And I read it, at least. No. No sense in reading that now. Let's see. I have your picture on my bureau. No. Oh, here's something interesting. Here's something wonderful. Yesterday, a crowd of us saw the Grand Canyon. Boy, is that something.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is he only interested in ditches?

[Nancy Adams]

Interested in everything, Henry. I'd let you read it yourself, only there's some rather personal things in it. Naturally.

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course. Is that clock on the mantle right?

[Nancy Adams]

Yes, I think so.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee, I didn't realize it was nearly 8:35.

[Nancy Adams]

Mean you have to go?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll say I have.

[Nancy Adams]

Why so early?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I've got to help Homer with his Latin, and then I've got to write a long letter. Oh, boy, am I ashamed of myself. I bet there are at least four letters from her. From this person I haven't even started to answer.

[Nancy Adams]

Well, I'm certainly glad you came over.

[Henry Aldrich]

She'll. The person will be wondering what's been keeping me.

[Nancy Adams]

Does she live very far away, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, just in Middletown. But her family's thinking of moving to California. And then, of course, my letters will have to be longer.

[Nancy Adams]

Well, I'm awfully sorry you have to go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good night, Nancy. And I. I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed hearing your correspondence. Wait a second, Homer, while I drop this postal card in the mailbox.

[Homer Brown]

It's a nice night, isn't it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Let's walk back to the house.

[Homer Brown]

Did you ever notice, Henry, when you look up at the moon, it looks as though the clouds were standing still? And the moon is what's moving.

[Henry Aldrich]

So what?

[Homer Brown]

What's the matter with you, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing's the matter with me.

[Homer Brown]

Well, why'd you come home from Nancy so early for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you wanted me to help you with your Latin, didn't you? She was. Do you know how many times she's. How many times she's gotten letters from him? Who's gotten what Every week, Homer. Every week since last Christmas. All he talks about is ditches. Who? And in the meanwhile, she goes around leading other people on into ditches. Anybody think that just because somebody you happen to know casually is going to school where you aren't going to school, then, gee whiz, he's pretty wonderful.

[Homer Brown]

Who is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Who cares how deep the Grand Canyon is? Do you? I ask you.

[Homer Brown]

I'm going home.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, go ahead. And not only that, Homer, Nancy's been writing to this guy just as often as he's been writing to her.

[Homer Brown]

Oh. Oh, well. Do you know what you ought to do, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why should I do anything?

[Homer Brown]

You ought to show her, though. All you have to do is write a letter to some other girl and leave it lying around when Nancy will see it.

[Henry Aldrich]

You're crazy. You talk as though I cared, Homer,

[Homer Brown]

but she'll eat right out of your hand, Henry. My own sister used to do it.

[Henry Aldrich]

She did?

[Homer Brown]

Sure, every week.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did it get results?

[Homer Brown]

Well, she's married, isn't she?

[Henry Aldrich]

Married? Just from that?

[Homer Brown]

Well, you don't have to let it go that far if you don't want to.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only trouble is, I don't know of any other girl I'd want to write to.

[Homer Brown]

You don't have to. You aren't going to mail it. You're just going to write it and let Nancy see it. Now, how about this girl you just mailed the postcard to?

[Henry Aldrich]

Doris Townsend? Gee whiz, Hummer, I could hardly get up enough interest to write that much to her.

[Homer Brown]

Well, I'll tell you what to say. I remember my sister's letters. Only when you write it. Henry, do it on your father's typewriter. Don't write it in your own handwriting.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not?

[Homer Brown]

Because it isn't romantic enough.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. And I'll type it on some blue paper.

[Sam Aldrich]

Have some toast, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, thank you. Sam. I'm worried.

[Narrator]

Worried?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, dear, I don't like to mention it, but this morning when I went in to make Henry's bed, I happened to see a letter he'd typed to Doris Townsend.

[Sam Aldrich]

I thought he was just going to send her a postcard.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, so did I, Sam. I thought the whole thing was just a casual, ordinary bit of correspondence.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Sam, I shouldn't have looked at it, but I couldn't help noticing that the letter began, my darling Doris.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Alice Aldrich]

That's what it said, Sam. I saw it with my own eyes.

[Sam Aldrich]

What else did he say?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, naturally, dear, I didn't read anymore.

[Sam Aldrich]

Why not?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, because it was a Personal letter.

[Sam Aldrich]

But it was your duty as a mother to read it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, if you must know, I did read the first sentence, but that's all.

[Sam Aldrich]

What did it say?

[Alice Aldrich]

Your letters have been coming through regularly. And you will never know how they have changed my entire life.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean that letter she wrote him wasn't the first one?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, dear. Apparently, that's why Doris Townsend was so concerned. She was afraid Henry really was engaged.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean you think it's reached that point?

[Alice Aldrich]

I know it has. The only thing is, why did he insist last night that he didn't want to write to her?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, that's obvious, Alice. He was trying to cover up that. Cover up?

[Alice Aldrich]

Cover up what?

[Sam Aldrich]

I don't know.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Sam, I think it's time we did something.

[Nancy Adams]

Do you see her, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. She's sitting right there on the school steps.

[Homer Brown]

And your letter's right in front of her.

[Henry Aldrich]

But what good will it do, Homer? You dropped it so darn far from her.

[Homer Brown]

They dropped it practically at her feet, Henry. And look, she's got it. She's reading it.

[Alice Aldrich]

She is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy. Oh, boy, is she gonna get a shot, sit around. Tell you, Henry, the only trouble is. Homer, that isn't my letter. Mine's still on the ground.

[Alice Aldrich]

It is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, can you see where the one she's reading is from?

[Homer Brown]

How could I? All I can see is it's a fat one.

[Henry Aldrich]

A fat one? Gee, I wonder. Do you suppose.

[Homer Brown]

Well, if it is from Arizona, don't let it get your goat.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Homer, she doesn't have to read his letters right here on the school ground. Wouldn't you think she'd have some loyalty to our school?

[Homer Brown]

Look, Henry, she's standing up. Oh, boy, she's leaning over.

[Nancy Adams]

She's.

[Homer Brown]

Well, gee whiz, she's only tying her shoelace.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, is she blind? She's even stepping on my letter. Now she's going into the building.

[Homer Brown]

Quick, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why?

[Homer Brown]

You'll let us blowing away.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, Homer. You go that way and we'll corner it. Hurry up. I'm hurrying. Where is she, Homer?

[Homer Brown]

She's right there in the corridor talking to Eleanor Wentworth.

[Henry Aldrich]

You think she saw you when you slipped my letter into her coat pocket? How could she?

[Homer Brown]

I was talking too fast.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, she certainly can't miss this one.

[Homer Brown]

And I think it's better than a letter that blew away yesterday.

[Alice Aldrich]

Look, look.

[Homer Brown]

Nancy's walking away.

[Henry Aldrich]

She puts her hand in her pocket, all my troubles will be over. The only thing is, Homer, why isn't that my letter sticking out of Eleanor's pocket? Where? Listen, Homer. Did you put that in the wrong pocket or the wrong coat?

[Homer Brown]

I didn't know they were standing that close together. I saw a pocket and I dropped it in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we've got to get that away from Eleanor.

[Homer Brown]

I can get it away from her, Henry. We'll just catch up with her, and as we pass, we'll both gently bump into her and I'll grab.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, Homer, but don't trip her.

[Homer Brown]

Quiet, Henry. Do you want her to hear us?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm not talking too loud, Homer.

[Homer Brown]

Come on, now.

[Henry Aldrich]

We'll give her the brush off. Well, gee whiz. Hello, Eleanor.

[Homer Brown]

Hi, Eleanor.

[Nancy Adams]

Oh, gee whiz, Homer Brown. Did you hurt yourself? Homer, I'm awfully sorry if I turned like that. I'm going into the girls coat room here.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know, but Eleanor.

[Homer Brown]

Let me pick up my books, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Eleanor. Wait.

[Nancy Adams]

Wait, Henry.

[Homer Brown]

Don't follow her in there.

[Nancy Adams]

You'll be expelled.

[Alice Aldrich]

After all. If I were a boy and knew a girl as nice as Doris Townsend, I think I'd want a picture of her. Wouldn't you, Sam?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, wouldn't I what?

[Alice Aldrich]

Like a picture of Doris Townsend.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, yes, of course.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I wouldn't. I just. I just.

[Alice Aldrich]

You just what?

[Henry Aldrich]

I just don't think I like any girls.

[Sam Aldrich]

Not any?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Good. That's fine. Didn't I hear you using my typewriter upstairs just a few minutes ago?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Alice Aldrich]

What was it you were typing, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, just something I was doing over. I typed it night before last and it blew away yesterday. Then I did another last night and that got lost today through an error.

[Alice Aldrich]

I see. Homework, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, in a way, you might say it was sort of homework.

[Alice Aldrich]

I was talking with Nancy Adams, Mother today. She says Nancy is writing to some boy out in a school in Arizona. She is? If I were you, I'd take a little interest.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm not going to waste my time on her, Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

You'll never find a nicer girl.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, Father. I have other things to think about besides just girls. Gee whiz, I've got a lot of other things on my mind.

[Alice Aldrich]

Where are you going, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just upstairs and do a little. Do a little typing, Sam.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, do you think we ought to come right out and forbid his writing any more letters to Doris Townsend?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, Alice. Let's not make matters any worse than they are. Much better to be subtle about it. You can't tell. He may be up in his room right this minute wondering whether Doris Townsend is worth it. That's the way a boy's mind operates.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, of course, dear, you know more about it than I do.

[Nancy Adams]

Oh, Butch. Butch Wells.

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you have?

[Narrator]

Eleanor.

[Nancy Adams]

Butch, did you lose a letter?

[Henry Aldrich]

No. Why?

[Nancy Adams]

You didn't? Don't you go around with a girl over in Middletown by the name of Doris Townsend?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

I take her out practically every weekend.

[Nancy Adams]

I don't know how it got there, but I found this letter addressed to her in my coat pocket, and I thought it was probably yours.

[Narrator]

Let's see it.

[Nancy Adams]

Here you are.

[Sam Aldrich]

Listen, this isn't any kind of a joke, is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, my darling Doris. Say, what is this?

[Nancy Adams]

Was it some butch who wrote it?

[Henry Aldrich]

But getting back to earth, I hope someday I can show you the Mississippi, which is 2,470 miles long, reaching at some points to a width of four miles. Hey, what I want to know is who wrote this? Where's the end? Have you ever noticed on a moonlight night how the clouds seem to stand still and the moon zooms along at a breathtaking pace? That's how I think of you. Oh.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Sam Aldrich]

So that's who wrote it.

[Nancy Adams]

Who did write it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Never mind. He isn't going to live long anyhow.

[Narrator]

Well, poor Henry is certainly having a tough time getting the right letter to the wrong girl. And whether he ever will manage it is more than I know. But I do know, ladies and gentlemen, that if you'd like to get the right mealtime drink for your family, you really shouldn't miss all the grand things that Postum has to offer you. Believe me, you'll enjoy a good, hot cup of Postum for the same reason millions enjoy it just because Postum tastes so downright good. Yes, when you pour yourself a steaming cup of Postum and add just a dash of cream and sugar to it, you have a drink that's so tempting in fragrance, so unusually delightful in flavor that you keep wondering why you never thought of trying it before. Just don't expect Postum to taste like coffee any more than you'd expect coffee to taste like tea. For naturally, the goodness of postum is the goodness of a distinctive flavor. A flavor that puts the mmm in postum. So enjoy delicious, hot Postum tomorrow. And be sure to make enough for the young folks to enjoy, too. Because Postum is a drink for all the family, just as your family will be all for Postum. Now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. In an attempt to make Nancy Adams jealous, Henry has typed several letters to another girl. But instead of mailing them, he has tried to leave them around where Nancy would find them. So far, however, he has been totally unsuccessful and has lost all of the letters he's written.

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[Alice Aldrich]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay

[Homer Brown]

my employees, but I don't really need it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Infliction is killing me, but who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Homer Brown]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.

[Alice Aldrich]

This bill would cut the vital resources

[Henry Aldrich]

they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Narrator]

Tell Congress, Stop the Durbin Marshall money

[Homer Brown]

grab for corporate megastores paid for by

[Henry Aldrich]

the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Narrator]

The scene opens now in the typing room at Central High School.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, have you any idea where the A would be on this typewriter?

[Homer Brown]

Why can't you find it yourself?

[Henry Aldrich]

I have never seen the typewriters in this classroom. The keys don't have any letters on them. Oh, what good are they then? Oh, gee whiz.

[Nancy Adams]

Did you get an A?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's a W, Homer. What word is there that begins with W? That means the same thing. As what? As angel.

[Homer Brown]

Why don't you just make it winged?

[Henry Aldrich]

Angel. Winged. My winged angel? Sure. Where. Where do you think the eye would be?

[Homer Brown]

Used to be around here somewhere. Are you making plenty of carbon copies this time, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Look out. Oh, gee.

[Homer Brown]

Did you get an I?

[Henry Aldrich]

An H? Now what am I gonna do? I've got WH.

[Homer Brown]

Why don't you make it white?

[Henry Aldrich]

Winged angel? Yeah. That's nice. The only trouble is, Homer, if we don't find it this time, we're really stuck.

[Nancy Adams]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I'm sorry to call you away from the office, but I want you to come home right away.

[Sam Aldrich]

What for?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Doris Townsend mother is here.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's on her mind?

[Alice Aldrich]

I can't tell you on the phone, dear, but the sooner you come home, the better. She's terribly upset.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, I'll come over right away, Alice. But remember this. No matter what she says, the girl is probably just as much to blame as Henry is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, are you sure she finally found my letter?

[Homer Brown]

Yes, Henry, I put it right in her lunchbox, right on top of her lemon pie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure she didn't tear it up or anything?

[Homer Brown]

Why should she? A letter written by you to another girl that you're calling a white winged angel.

[Henry Aldrich]

It took me darn near a week

[Alice Aldrich]

to get it to her.

[Homer Brown]

All you have to do now, Henry, is go home by Monday. Nancy will be eating out of your hands by Monday. Well, that's the way it works with my sister, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. Hello, Eleanor.

[Homer Brown]

It's Nancy. Henry.

[Nancy Adams]

Oh, I've been looking all over for you.

[Henry Aldrich]

For me?

[Homer Brown]

Hi, Nancy. Judy, you look worried.

[Nancy Adams]

Well, in a way I am. I've got some. Something here that belongs to Henry, and I'm quite sure he'd want it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Something of mine?

[Homer Brown]

Something of Henry's?

[Nancy Adams]

Yes, and I haven't the slightest idea how I got it. It's this letter you wrote to somebody.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes.

[Nancy Adams]

But I didn't read it, Henry. I know you'll probably think I did, but I give you my word that I didn't do any more than just look at it to see whose it was.

[Homer Brown]

You didn't?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not?

[Nancy Adams]

Well. Bye, Henry. I'm awfully glad I happened to find you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye. Thanks very much for giving it back to me. That's a fine thing, Homer. That's a fine thing.

[Homer Brown]

Well, what's she got against reading somebody else's mail?

[Henry Aldrich]

After all of all she cares about is that fella in Arizona. Why should I? There are other girls besides Nancy Adams.

[Homer Brown]

Sure there are.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what I say. Sure there are. She isn't so wonderful. Hiya, fellers. Hello, Willie.

[Homer Brown]

Hello.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ms. Eccleston wanted me to give you your English paper.

[Homer Brown]

You've got mine?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Here. Here, Henry. And, boy, you better watch out if Butch well sees you. Why should I worry about him? But didn't you write a letter to his girl in Middletown? Who, me?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

To Doris Townsend.

[Narrator]

It's all over school.

[Henry Aldrich]

Butch nose Doris Town.

[Homer Brown]

Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

She's so steady, isn't she?

[Homer Brown]

Is that right?

[Henry Aldrich]

And gee, he's the biggest guy in school, Henry. Well, I'd like to see him start something.

[Homer Brown]

Henry, how much did you get on your English C plus. C plus?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Homer, how did Ms. Eggleston get this? What is it? It's one of my darned letters to Doris Townsend.

[Homer Brown]

How did you happen to hand that in?

[Henry Aldrich]

She says, interesting, but why didn't you stick to original theme instead of Dragging in the Mississippi?

[Homer Brown]

Well, that's a fair enough criticism. You know, Henry, I'll bet your letters are lying around all over this school.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll say.

[Homer Brown]

Henry, look out. Here comes Butch Welch.

[Narrator]

Butch.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, Henry. Now, wait, Butch. It was all a mistake. Mistake, my eye.

[Narrator]

Come here.

[Homer Brown]

Write him a letter, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, Aldrich. Hey, Butch, let go of me. What's the idea of trying to cut me out with Doris Townsend?

[Nancy Adams]

I didn't.

[Henry Aldrich]

You're twisting my arm. Yeah.

[Homer Brown]

Hey, Butch, let go of Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Go sit down.

[Homer Brown]

You'll make me. Gee whiz,

[Henry Aldrich]

Butch. You gonna keep away from my girl? Now, listen, Butch. How do you like that?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now write her another letter and tell her what I did to you.

[Homer Brown]

You want me to help you up?

[Nancy Adams]

Henry?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, is that you?

[Nancy Adams]

Nancy, what happened to you?

[Homer Brown]

We're looking for something down here.

[Nancy Adams]

What was Butch Welch doing to Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

To me? Gee whiz, he wasn't doing anything.

[Nancy Adams]

Well, my goodness, Henry, your folks just phoned the main office and they said you're to come right home the very minute schools out.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder what that could be about.

[Homer Brown]

I don't see why you have to feel that way about it, Henry. After all, Butch is three times as big as you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did you brush the back of my coat home? Sure.

[Homer Brown]

Your folks won't notice a thing.

[Nancy Adams]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother? Where are you?

[Alice Aldrich]

I want you to come into the living room. Your father and I want to have a talk with you.

[Henry Aldrich]

A talk with. I.

[Homer Brown]

Mother?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Has something gone wrong, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

How did you tear your coat pocket?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that. That.

[Homer Brown]

Well, gee whiz.

[Alice Aldrich]

Homer, dear, would you mind leaving the room?

[Homer Brown]

You want me to go?

[Alice Aldrich]

We do. Please go up to Henry's room until we're through.

[Homer Brown]

Couldn't I wait out in the kitchen?

[Alice Aldrich]

You could not. Please go upstairs.

[Homer Brown]

Yes, Mrs. Aldrich.

[Nancy Adams]

I'll wait up there.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now then, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Your mother wants to have a talk with you.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I think you're the one that should have a talk with him, aren't

[Sam Aldrich]

you the one Doris Townsend's mother talked to?

[Henry Aldrich]

Doris Townsend's mother?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. She's been here.

[Sam Aldrich]

That would be putting it mildly.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, Doris Townsend was never so upset in her life.

[Henry Aldrich]

She's upset?

[Alice Aldrich]

She's upset over the letters you've been writing her.

[Henry Aldrich]

How did she get any of those?

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you mean, how did she get any of them? Haven't you been writing her?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've been.

[Sam Aldrich]

I've been.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Have you been writing her?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. I've been writing her, but I haven't been mailing them.

[Sam Aldrich]

What have you been doing with them?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'VE been losing them.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, don't be absurd.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I have. Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

If you didn't intend mailing them, why did you write them? Because they were written to be read by someone, weren't they?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir, but not by Doris Townsend.

[Alice Aldrich]

Then by whom, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Mother, I know you won't believe it, but there are copies of my letter all over Central High School.

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you mean by that, Father?

[Henry Aldrich]

This English paper is a very good example.

[Alice Aldrich]

You mean you failed in English?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I got a C for it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Let me see it.

[Sam Aldrich]

No, Alice, don't let him evade the issue. We're talking about his letters.

[Henry Aldrich]

But sand, this is a letter to Doris Townsend.

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. That's what Henry's been trying to tell us. He wrote those letters for English. He never intended to nail any of them, did you, dear? Well, look, Mother, of course you didn't. It's as clear as day. Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, why did Doris Townsend's mother have to get so upset over a composition?

[Alice Aldrich]

That's exactly what I wonder. Sam, I'm going to the phone and tell her.

[Sam Aldrich]

And give her my regards.

[Nancy Adams]

Say, Henry.

[Homer Brown]

Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

As your composition, Henry.

[Homer Brown]

Oh, am I interrupting the lecture?

[Sam Aldrich]

You are not interrupting anything, Homer, only Henry. Next time see to it that you get more than a C plus.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Homer Brown]

Henry, you know that letter Nancy handed back to you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Homer Brown]

Well, that isn't one of your letters.

[Henry Aldrich]

Whose is it?

[Homer Brown]

It's a letter she wrote to the guy in Arizona from her. You mind if I see what it says?

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait, Homer. That letter wasn't meant to be read.

[Homer Brown]

What do you mean it wasn't? It isn't even sealed.

[Nancy Adams]

She said.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now listen, Homer. Give that to me.

[Homer Brown]

Oh, boy, Homer.

[Nancy Adams]

Oh, boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer.

[Nancy Adams]

Oh, boy.

[Homer Brown]

Are you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you reading it all?

[Homer Brown]

Homer, the whole thing's about you.

[Henry Aldrich]

About me?

[Homer Brown]

She says you're one of the nicest, sweetest boys she's ever known. Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Me?

[Homer Brown]

Henry, you're one of the nicest, sweetest boys she's ever known.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now wait, Homer. She said that about me? Well, gee whiz, can you imagine that?

[Narrator]

Henry Aldrich will be back in just a moment. In the meanwhile, folks, a reminder of the double barreled reason why you'll like Postum. For one thing, you like it if coffee upsets you. For another, you like it just because Postum tastes so swell. It's a grand, tempting drink for all the family. So get Postum from your grocer tomorrow.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Mother, I'm sure I don't feel well enough to go to school today.

[Alice Aldrich]

But Henry, you'll miss some very important work.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I won't, Mother. I won't miss a thing. All we were going to do today anyhow is read our English compositions in front of the class. And I never felt so low in my life.

[Narrator]

Here is a popular Christmas suggestion. In addition to your other presents, give United States Defense bonds and stamps. Make patriotism a part of your giving. The money you spend for defense bonds helps to resist tyranny and oppression, helps keep the spirit of Christmas alive in this country. So buy defense bonds and stamps and keep on buying them for yourself and for your friends this Christmas. Be sure to listen again next week to the Aldrich Family. Same time, same station for another sparkling half hour with your favorite youngster, his family and his pals. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone, is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry von Zell saying you will enjoy fragrant, flavorful postums. And remember, postum contains no stimulants. It cannot give you indigestion. Good night.